For many reasons our southern republic has an increased interest to the people of the United States. The marvelous development which has taken place in Mexico during the last two decades reflects, in a large degree, the progress of civilization on this western continent. Under the extraordinary wisdom, energy and foresight of President Diaz, the former chaotic governmental rule has disappeared, to be replaced by a wise and good government, making life and property interests as safe as in the United States.

A network of railways is interlacing the republic in every direction. These now measure over seven thousand miles, built in great part by foreign, chiefly American, capital. Every department of industry is being developed with an hitherto unknown energy, and the enterprising American appears as the promoter or owner in all the more prominent sections of the country. This is especially noteworthy in the agricultural and mining interests.